Adverse effects of statins

Statins are generally well tolerated, and the rate of true statin intolerance is low. Given the significant cardiovascular benefits of statins, encourage and facilitate long-term adherence to statin therapy.

Factors that increase the risk of statin-related adverse effects include:

• pre-existing muscle, liver or kidney disease
• acute kidney injury (if using rosuvastatin)
• high-dose or high-potency statin therapy
• concurrent drugs that cause myopathy (eg colchicine, gemfibrozil) or inhibit the metabolism of statins (eg amiodarone, diltiazem, clarithromycin, some antiviral drugs¹)
• concurrent illness
• frailty and advanced age.

For links to additional guidance and patient information (including handouts) about the adverse effects of statin therapy, see the NPS MedicineWise website.